Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller

ABSTRACT

A method of gaming, game controller and gaming system are provided, wherein a symbol set is populated based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players, and a bonus game outcome generated by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priorityfrom U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/345,805, filed on May18, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system anda game controller.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a gaming system including a gaming controllerarranged to randomly select symbols for display from a predetermined setof symbols and determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols.It is also known to provide jackpots or progressive prizes which may beone or more players in order to increase player interest or excitement.

While such gaming systems provide players with enjoyment, a need existsfor alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase playerenjoyment.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of gaming including:

populating, by a computer-implemented game controller, a symbol setbased on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gamingmachines being played by players; and

generating, by a computer-implemented game controller, a bonus gameoutcome by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set.

The method can further include making an award to one or more of thegaming machines of the group based on the game outcome from thepopulated symbol set.

In some embodiments populating the symbol set by a computer-implementedgame controller includes:

determining based on a game outcome newly generated for one of thegaming machines one or more symbols to be added to the symbol set;

adding the determined symbols to the symbol set; and

repeating the above steps until the symbol set is complete.

In some embodiments the determined symbols are symbols of a winningsymbol combination in a game outcome.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of gaming including:

activating, by a computer-implemented game controller, symbols of a basesymbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a groupof gaming machines being played by players; and

generating, by a computer-implemented game controller, a bonus gameoutcome by selecting a set of symbols from the activated symbol set.

In some alternative embodiments the symbols for activation are selectedfrom a base symbol set based on the game outcome of the gaming machine.For example, the activated symbols can be selected from a base set basedon symbols of a winning symbol combination in the game outcome of thegaming machine. In some embodiments the activated symbols are selectedbased on reel stop positions of symbols in the winning combination.

The size of the populated symbol set in some embodiments is the same asthe size of a symbols set for generating game outcomes in the gamingmachines of the group.

The activated symbols can be a number of symbols selected from the basesymbol set wherein the number of symbols selected is based on the numberof symbols contributing to winning symbol combinations in the gameoutcome.

The symbols can be selected from a base set in a given order.Alternatively the symbols can be randomly selected from the base set.

The method can further include the computer-implemented game controllerevaluating any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome.

The symbols for the bonus game outcome may be selected based on a randomresult.

The method can further include the computer-implemented game controllerselecting one or more of the gaming machines from the group for makingan award to the player thereof based on a winning symbol combination inthe bonus game outcome.

In some embodiments the gaming machine selected for awarding a prize isselected based on the whether or not one or more symbols contributing tothe wining combination was included in the populated symbol set ofactivated from the base symbol set based on an outcome from the gamingmachine.

For example, the gaming machine having the most symbols contributing tothe wining combination may be selected.

In an alternative example, the gaming machine for the award is selectedbased on the order in which an outcome of that gaming machinecontributed to the populated symbol set or activation of symbols of thebase symbol set. The selected gaming machine may be the last gamingmachine to contribute to the populated symbol set or activated symbolset.

In another alternative example, the gaming machine for making an awardis selected based on a random process.

The method may further include the computer-implemented game controllerdetermining the award for the selected one or more gaming machines.

For example, the award can be a credit value based on the winingcombination. The award may be a credit value which is proportional to atotal award credit value.

In another example, the award is a fixed prize.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acomputer-implemented game controller including:

a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol set based on gameoutcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines beingplayed by players; and

a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus gameoutcome from the populated symbol set.

In an embodiment the symbol set controller progressively populates thesymbol set based on a plurality of game outcomes for the one or moregaming machines.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acomputer-implemented game controller including:

a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol setbased on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gamingmachines being played by players; and

a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus gameoutcome from the activated base symbol set.

Game controllers can further include an award evaluator adapted to makean award to a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus gameoutcome.

The award evaluator can be adapted to evaluate any winning symbolcombinations in the game outcome from the populated symbol set.

The award evaluator can be further adapted to select one or more of thegaming machines of the group for making an award to the player thereofbased on a winning symbol combination in the bonus game outcome.

The award evaluator can be further adapted to determine an award foreach of the selected one or more gaming machines.

The game controller can further include a group controller via whichgame outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more gamingmachines of a group being played by players is obtained.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acomputer-implemented gaming system including:

a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomesgenerated one or more linked gaming machines being played by players isobtained;

a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol set based on theobtained game outcome data; and

a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus gameoutcome from the populated symbol set.

According to another aspect there is provided a computer-implementedgaming system including:

a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomesgenerated one or more linked gaming machines being played by players isobtained;

a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol setbased on the obtained game outcome data; and

a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus gameoutcome from the activated base symbol set.

Embodiments of the gaming system can further include an award evaluatoradapted to make an award to a gaming machine of the group based on thegame outcome from the populated symbol set. The award evaluator can beadapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the game outcome.

The gaming system can further include a display controller adapted tocontrol the presentation of a game outcome including the set of symbolsselected from the populated symbol set on one or more displays.

The group controller can be further adapted to allocate gaming machinesto the group.

In another aspect, the invention provides computer program code whichwhen executed implements the above method.

In another aspect, the invention provides a computer readable mediumincluding the above program code.

In another aspect, the invention provides a data signal including theabove program code.

In another aspect, the invention extends to transmitting the aboveprogram code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gamingmachine;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 7 is a further block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and

FIGS. 9 a-d illustrate game play from the perspective of a displayedportion of the populated symbol set.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in thedrawings. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in theattached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following discloses example methods, systems, articles ofmanufacture, and apparatus including, among other components, softwareexecuted on hardware, it should be noted that such methods and apparatusare merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. Forexample, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware andsoftware components could be embodied exclusively in hardware,exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combinationof hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the followingdescribes example methods, systems, articles of manufacture, andapparatus, the examples provided are not the only way to implement suchmethods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in an atleast one example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangiblemedium such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/orfirmware.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a gamecontroller arranged to implement a game wherein a symbol set ispopulated based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group ofgaming machines being played by players. The populated symbol set isused to generate a game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from thepopulated symbol set based on a random result. An award may be made toone or more of the gaming machines of the group based on this gameoutcome.

The game may be a bonus game for the group of gaming machines. Forexample, the game outcome using symbols selected from the populatedsymbol set can be used for awarding a bonus prize for one or more of thegroup of gaming machines. For example the bonus prize may be a jackpotor fixed prize. An advantage of the game is that players and otherobservers can derive entertainment and excitement the game outcomegenerated from the populated symbols set.

In some embodiments the symbols set is progressively populated and theprogress of this progressive population can be displayed to players,this can provide additional entertainment and excitement leading up tothe generation of a game outcome using the populated symbol set.

General Construction of Gaming System

The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form,a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most componentsto implement the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some ofthe components to implement the game are present in a player operablegaming machine and some of the components to implement the game arelocated remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thickclient” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed ona player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executedremotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecturemay be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by agaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only todisplay audible and/or visible gaming information to the player andreceive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged.For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine isnetworked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gamingmachine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example,the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thickclient” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played,operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent topersons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system has several core components.At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 anda game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The player interface isarranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gamingsystem and for this purpose includes the input/output components for theplayer to enter instructions to play the game and observe the gameoutcomes.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment toembodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable aplayer to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, agame play mechanism 56 including one or more input devices that enable aplayer to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and oneor more speakers 58.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the playerinterface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the gameplay instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs gameplay outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play rules are storedas program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein theterm “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that canprocess game play instructions in accordance with game play rules andmay include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logicdevice or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. aPC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 202 isillustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 202 includes a console 12having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 202houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with thegaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 alsohouses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coininput chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanismsmay also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smartcard, debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may configure forticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets havinga value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticket.A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may alsobe provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, forexample as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may bein the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage mediumcapable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, theplayer marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism,either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits storedon the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a playeraccount in data communication with the player marketing module.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables anddetails of bonus awards and other information or images relating to thegame. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a frontpanel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the frontpanel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 202.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit,particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, thedisplay 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any othersuitable video display unit, or the visible portion of anelectromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, forexample a video display unit, which may be of the same type as thedisplay 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gamingmachine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor102 mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to controloperation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is indata communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than oneof each type of memory, with such memories being collectivelyrepresented by the memory 103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes includingensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, aninput/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheraldevices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/orthe peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memoryfor storing associated instructions and data for use with theinput/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random numbergenerator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference torandom numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includesperipheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101including one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107(which provide a game play mechanism), a card and/or ticket reader 108,a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and acoin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as partof the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted based on thespecific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens aretypically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager andinitiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player toinput game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gamingmachines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of the game.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communicationsinterface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, forexample, send status information, accounting information or otherinformation to a bonus controller, central controller, server ordatabase and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, centralcontroller, server or database. In embodiments employing a playermarketing module, communications over a network may be via playermarketing module—i.e. the player marketing module may be in datacommunication with one or more of the above devices and communicate withit on behalf of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplarymemory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a massstorage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds programfiles for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or gamerelated code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to storegame programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/orauthenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller101.

FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternativeembodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which forexample may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arrangedin three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5 are connected tothe network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operableinterface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on therules, guidelines, requirements, and/or preferences for implementinggame play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated inFIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. Forexample, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to displayrepresentations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202,and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional orinformational material. The displays 204 may also be used to displayrepresentations associated with a bonus game for a group of gamingmachines.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of thegame played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as boththe game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, theycollectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloadingor access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, ifthe gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot or Bonusgame, a Jackpot or Bonus server 207 will be provided. The Jackpot server207 can perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. The Bonusserver can perform game control functions for implementing the bonusgame as well as accounting functions for the Bonus game. A loyaltyprogram server 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all ofthe game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gamingmachine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With thisembodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gamingmachine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game serverwhich will process them and return game play outcomes to the gamingmachine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machinescould be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides aplayer interface operable using standard computer input and outputcomponents. Other client/server configurations are possible, and furtherdetails of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration ofthe gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor managementserver 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licensesrelating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is providedto allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devicesconnected to the network.

The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, otherlocal networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide areanetwork such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with knowntechniques, functionality at the server side of the network may bedistributed over a plurality of different computers. For example,elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separateserver may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run arandom generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random numbergenerator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided torun different games or a single game server may run a plurality ofdifferent games based on the terminals.

Further Detail of Gaming System

An embodiment of the present invention provides a gaming method whereina symbol set is populated based on game outcomes generated for one ormore of a group of gaming machines being played by players. A set ofsymbols is selected for a game outcome from the populated symbol setbased on a random result. An award can be made, based on the gameoutcome, to one or more of the players of the gaming machines of thegroup.

The symbol set can be progressively populated based on the outcomesgenerated for the gaming machines during regular play of these gamingmachines. Once the symbol set is fully populated, generation of a gameoutcome from the populated symbol set can be triggered. A set of symbolsis selected for the game outcome. The game outcome can be evaluated formaking an award to one or more of the players of the gaming machines ofthe group.

An example of a computer-implemented game controller for implementing anembodiment of the game as described above is illustrated in FIG. 6. Thegame controller 600 includes a symbol set controller 620 and symbolselector 625. The game controller also includes memory 664 which storessymbol 610 for population of a symbol set 615.

In the illustrated embodiment, the symbol set controller 620 and symbolselector 625 are implemented in software or firmware modules which canbe stored as program code in memory 664 and execute on the gamecontroller processor 662. Persons skilled in the art will appreciatethat various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, forexample using dedicated circuits to perform specific functions. Allmodules are combined into a hardware platform and referred to as acomputer-implemented game controller.

Alternative architectures for the computer-implemented game controllerare also envisaged. For example, the symbol set controller 620 andsymbols selector 625 may be implemented using programmable hardware suchas programmable logic controllers or hardwired devices. The symbol setcontroller 620 and symbol selector 625 may execute using common orseparate processor hardware. The game controller memory 664 accessibleto the symbol set controller 625 and symbol selector 625 may be anysuitable memory, for example as described in relation to FIG. 4.

The symbol set controller 620 is adapted to populate the symbol set 615based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gamingmachines being played by players. In the illustrated embodiment, thegame controller 600 is in data communication with three gaming machines650 a, 650 b, and 650 c via gaming network 630. The gaming machines 650a, 650 b, and 650 c may be stand alone gaming machines having all ormost components to implement a game present in the player operablegaming machine, or gaming terminals of a distributed architecture wheresome of the functionality to implement a game is provided in a gameserver (not shown) and a part of the functionality for implementing thegame is provided in the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c.

Irrespective of the architecture employed for player operable gamingmachines 650 a, 650 b, and 650 c, data for game outcomes generated foreach of the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c is communicated tothe game controller 600. This game outcome data could be communicateddirectly from the gaming machine 650 a, 650 b and 650 c via the gamingnetwork 630 in the case of stand alone gaming machines. Where adistributor architecture is used the game outcome data may be providedto the game controller 600 via the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650c or from the game controller (not shown) implementing part of the gameplayed using the game machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c. The game outcomedata may also be provided to the game controller 600 via the playermarketing module of each gaming machine 650 a, 650 b, 650 c. Forexample, in some embodiments stand alone gaming machines are onlyprovided with gaming network connectivity via their player marketingmodule. In this embodiment the player marketing module may be adapted tocommunicate game outcome data via the gaming network 630 to the gamecontroller 600.

The game being played by players using the gaming machine 650 a, 650 band 650 c may be any style of game, for example the game may be aspinning reel game, a card dealing game, a dice rolling game, a lotterygame etc. The player typically pays a wager to play this game using agame machine 650 a, 650 b and 650 c. In the present example, the gamecontroller 600 implements a bonus game for which any of the players ofthe game machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c can be awarded prizes.

The game controller 600 utilises data from game outcomes generated forthe group of gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c for populating asymbol set for the bonus game. The initial condition of the symbol set615 is empty. For example, the symbol set controller 620 initialises thesymbol set 615 as an empty set. The symbol set 615 may be initialised asan empty set when the game controller is initialised when it is turnedon or in response to an operator command at the start of the day. Thesymbol set 615 may also be reset to the initial condition in response toa reset condition in the bonus game. Examples of reset conditions mayinclude: generation of a game outcome for the bonus game using thepopulated symbol set, making an award in the bonus game, or a givensymbol combination occurring in a game outcome generated for the bonusgame.

The symbol set 615 is initialised as an empty set and symbol setcontroller 620 populates the symbol set 615 based on game outcomesgenerated in the base game being played by players of the gamingmachines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c. For example, each time a game outcomeis generated for one of the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c gameoutcome data is provided to the symbol set controller. Using this gameoutcome data the symbol set controller selects symbols from the symboldata 610 to add to the symbol set 615.

In an embodiment, the symbol selector 620 selects symbols to add to thesymbol set 615 based on winning symbol combinations occurring in thegame outcome generated for the gaming machine 650 a, 650 b and 650 c.For example, a player is playing gaming machine 650 a and the playeroperates the game playing mechanism 652 a which causes generation of agame outcome which is displayed to the player on display 2 655 a. Datafor this game outcome is also provided to the game controller 600 viathe gaming network 630. For example, the game data provided to the gamecontroller 600 may indicate a winning symbol combination occurred in thegame outcome generated for gaming machine 650 a. The game outcome datamay also indicate the symbols of the winning symbol combination of thegame outcome.

The symbol set controller 620 uses the game outcome data to selectsymbols to add to the symbol set 615. The added symbols may be thesymbols of the winning outcome generated for gaming machine 650 a. Forexample if the winning symbol combination was three cats, then three catsymbols are added to the populated symbol set.

Alternatively different symbols may be selected based on the winningsymbol combination. In some embodiments the symbol set for the bonusgame is a predetermined base set of symbols which are selectivelyactivated based on game outcomes generated for the gaming machines ofthe group. For example, where the game being played using gaming machine650 a is a spinning reel game, the symbol set controller 620 may selectsymbols from symbol data 610 to add to the symbol set 615 based on stoppositions of the symbols of the winning combination from the gameoutcome generated for gaming machine 650 a. Alternatively, the symbolset controller 620 may simply select a number of symbols equal to thenumber of symbols contributing to the winning symbol outcome to add tothe symbol set. These symbols may be selected in a given order or usinga random process.

Optionally, the progressive population of the symbol set 615 based ongame outcomes generated for the group of gaming machines 650 a, 650 band 650 c may be displayed for players of the gaming machines on one ofthe gaming machine displays 650 a, 650 b and 650 c. In the embodimentillustrated each of the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c havefirst display 654 a, 654 b and 654 c and a second display 655 a, 655 band 655 c such that one display 655 a, 655 b and 655 c can be used fordisplaying the outcome of the base game being played by the player andthe other display 654 a, 654 b and 654 c can be used for displaying theprogressive population of the symbol set 615. Thus, the players canobserve the progress of populating the symbol set 615 which may increasethe players' enjoyment and excitement in relation to the bonus game.

Once the symbol set 615 is fully populated the symbol selector 625selects a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from a populated thesymbol set 615. The symbol selection to generate a bonus game outcomemay be based on a random result. For example, the symbol selector 625can select symbols from the populated set using a random result issuedfrom a random number generator. Alternatively the symbols may beselected based on game rules which are not based on a random result. Theselected set of symbols can then be displayed on the displays 654 a, 654b, and 654 c.

The bonus game outcome can be evaluated to determine whether any winningsymbol combination occurred. If a winning symbol combination occurs inthe bonus game outcome, then an award may be made to one or more of theplayers based on the winning symbol combination. For example, the awardmay be a fixed prize such as a car or television, which can be allocatedto only one player. One of the gaming machines 650 a, 650 b and 650 c ofthe group will be selected for award of the fixed prize.

The criteria for selection of the gaming machine may be based on thecontribution to the symbol set 615, for example, the selected gamingmachine may be the gaming machine for which the last gaming outcome wasgenerated which contributed to completing population of the symbol set615 or completing activation of the base symbol set.

Eligibility criteria may also be applied for the gaming machines 650 a,650 b and 650 c when determining to which gaming machine 650 a, 650 b,650 c the award will be made. For example, an award may only be able tobe made to a game machine that is actively being played by a player. Forexample, this could be determined by whether or not a player's loyaltycard or token is currently inserted in the machine, or some otherindication that a machine is actively being played by a player. Thus, agaming machine not being played would not be selected for the bonusprize. The gaming machine or machines for making an award may beselected before or after the game outcome is generated using thepopulated symbol set. If a gaming machine is selected for making anaward prior to generation of the game outcome the player of the gamingmachine may be alerted to this fact. If no winning symbol combinationsoccur in the game outcome then a consolation prize may be awarded to theplayer. For example, as a free drink voucher or some gaming credits maybe loaded onto the player's loyalty card.

An alternative example of a gaming system is illustrated in FIG. 7. Inthis example, a plurality of gaming machines 750 a-n are connected tothe gaming system 700 via a gaming network 730. The gaming system 700includes a base controller 710, a game controller 762 and groupcontroller 720. These controllers may be implemented as software modulesone or more executing on common processor hardware, such as a gameserver. Alternatively, one or more of these controllers may beimplemented using separate hardware, which may execute software orfirmware or be programmable logic hardware or hard wired circuits.

The base game controller 710 controls a base game being played byplayers of plurality of gaming machines 750 a-n. The base game may beany type of game typically played using player operable gaming machines.However, the invention will be exemplified for this system using a fivereel spinning reel game. In the spinning reel game symbols resident onfive spinning reels are simulated using five symbol subsets. Each subsetspecifies a sequence of symbols for the reel such that a symbol selectorcan select symbols for a game outcome by selecting a stopping positionin the sequence for each reel. The symbols displayed for the gameoutcome are a given number of symbols in the sequence, say three,proximate the stop position for each reel.

The group controller 720 is adapted to control which of plurality ofgaming machines 750 a-n are included in one or more groups for thepurpose of a bonus game controlled by a game controller 762. The bonusgame is a game where a symbol set is populated or activated based ongame outcomes generated for the base game being played by the players ofthe gaming machines in a group. A bonus game outcome is generated forthe bonus game by selecting a set of symbols from the populated oractivated symbol set.

The groups may be defined by a gaming venue operator and these definedgroups programmed into the group controller 720. Alternatively, thegroup controller 720 may be adapted to dynamically select gamingmachines to include in a group in accordance with given criteria. Forexample, criteria for inclusion in a group may be a player placing betsabove a threshold amount for the base game. Alternatively, groups mayrandomly be selected by the group controller. The number of gamingmachines included in a group may be preset by a venue operator or set bythe group controller in accordance with group rules. For example, grouprules determining the size of the group may be based on an award poolvalue for awards for the bonus game. Alternatively the size of the venueor occupancy rate of the gaming machines may be used in conjunction withgroup rules to determine which gaming machines are included in a group.All of the gaming machines connected via the network 730 may constitutea single group.

A player of a gaming machine 750 a operates the game play mechanism 752a in order to play a base game which is controlled by the base gamecontroller 710 in accordance with game rules 715. Outcomes of the basegame can be displayed to the player on the display 754 a. Base gameoutcome data 725 can also be stored in system memory 764. The systemmemory 764 can be accessible to both base game controller 710 and thegame controller 762 for the bonus game.

Game controller 762 includes a symbol set controller 770 which controlsthe population or activation of a symbol set 795 based on game outcomesgenerated for gaming machines of the group playing the base game. Thesymbol set controller 770 may be triggered to read base game outcomedata 725 from memory 764 each time a base game outcome is generated forone of the game machines of the group for the bonus game. The symbol setcontroller 770 populates the symbol set 795 using the base game outcomedata and symbol data 790. Symbol population rules 772 can be providedwhich define how base game outcome data is applied by the symbol setcontroller 770 to populate the symbol set 795.

For example, symbol data 790 may include data defining a base set ofsymbols from which symbols are selected for population of the symbol set795. Symbol population or activation rules can be applied to the basegame outcome data for selecting symbols from the symbol data 790 topopulate the set 795.

In one embodiment a base symbol set is stored in symbol data 790including a plurality of symbol subsets each subset including a sequenceof symbols for emulating a spinning reel. In this embodiment, the gameoutcome data for the base game is used to select which symbols from eachsubset are used to progressively populate the symbol set 795 byactivating symbols of the base symbol set. For example, the based gamecan be a spinning reel game having the same number of reels and the samelength reels as those of the symbol data 790. The symbol activationrules may define that symbols of the base symbol set defined in symboldata 790 occupying the same stop positions as symbols of a winningcombination in the base game outcome data are used for populating thesymbol set 795. The actual symbols may be the same or different symbolsto those of the winning combination of the base game. Alternatively,symbols the same as those appearing in a winning symbol combination inthe base game outcome may be added to the symbol set 795 to populate thesymbol set. The symbols may appear in different stop positions in thepopulated symbol set 795 to the base game outcome.

In another example, symbol population rules may simply define that thenumber of symbols n contributing to winning symbol combinations in thebase game outcome is used by the symbol selector 770. The symbolactivation rules can also define how this number, n, is applied forselection of a number of symbols, m, for activating symbols of a basesymbol set 795. For example, the m symbols for activation in the basesymbol set 795 may be selected in sequence or randomly from the basesymbol data. The number of symbols selected, m, can be equal to thenumber of symbols in a winning symbol combination of a base gameoutcome.

m=n  [1]

Alternatively the number of symbols, m, may be a function of the numberof symbols occurring in a winning symbol combination of a base gameoutcome.

m=f(n)  [2]

For example, where the symbol set sizes for the base game and the symbolset for the bonus game are different a multiplier, c, may be used. Themultiplier may be greater or less than one and may be chosen based onthe relative set sizes of the base game and bonus game symbol sets.

m=f(n)=c*n  [3]

Alternative functions or conversion tables may be defined. Examples ofconversion tables for n are given in Tables 1 and 2 below. Such aconversion table may be used where the style of game between the basegame and bonus game are different. For example, where the base game is acard dealing game and the bonus game using the populated symbol set is aspinning reel game. Conversion tables may also be used where the gamingmachines of the group for the bonus game play different base games. Adifferent conversion table may be used for each base game.

TABLE 1 N M 1 4 2 5 3 7 4 10 5 12

TABLE 2 N M 3 1 4 1 5 2 6 2 7 3

It should be appreciated that many alternative rules may be used forpopulation of the symbol set 795 based on base game outcome data frommachines of the group. All such alternatives are contemplated within thescope of the present invention.

In the embodiment illustrated, the game controller 762 also includes adisplay controller 780 which can control display of data relating to thebonus game on a central display 740. For example, the display controllermay be adapted to display the progress of the population or activationof the symbol set 795 on the central display 740. This offers anadvantage in that the players of the gaming machines of the group andother players or spectators are able to watch the progressive populationof the symbol set 795. This can be entertaining and generate excitement,particularly approaching full population of the symbol set 795.

Once the symbol set 795 is fully populated or activated, the symbolselector 775 selects a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome. Thesymbols may be selected from the populated symbol set based on a randomresult. For example, the random result may be a number generated by arandom number generator or mechanical random result generator such as aroulette wheel, card dealer or dice roller. Some embodiments may not usea random result for selecting symbols for the base outcome. The symbolselector 775 applies bonus game rules 778 to select symbols for a gameoutcome from the populated symbol set 795.

Symbol selection may be triggered immediately once the symbol set isfully populated. Alternatively an additional trigger condition may beapplied. For example, an additional trigger condition may be the end ofa count down for the result generation or a specified symbol orcombination occurring in one or more base game outcomes.

The display controller 780 can also control the display of the gameoutcome on the central display 740. For example, the display controller780 may be adapted to control the display of a simulation of spinningreels spinning and coming to a stop to display the game outcome.

Optionally, the game outcome may also be displayed on the displays 754 ato 754 n of the gaming machines 755 a to 755 n. For example, regularplay of the base game may be interrupted for the gaming machines whilethe bonus game is played. Alternatively, some other indication, such asa siren or flashing lights may be used to draw attention to the playersof the gaming machines of the group when the outcome for the bonus gameis being generated and displayed on the central display 740.

The game controller 762 can also be provided with an award evaluator 785adapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the bonus gameoutcome. If any winning symbol combinations occur in the bonus gameoutcome, these may also be highlighted by the display controller 780 onthe central display 740. The display controller may also highlight anywinning symbol combinations occurring the in the game outcome displayedon the displays 454 a-n of the gaming machines.

The award evaluator 785 can also be adapted to select one or more gamingmachines of the group for making an award to the player thereof based ona winning symbol combination in the bonus game outcome. Rules forselection of gaming machines for any award can also be defined in gamerules 778. For example, the gaming machine for the award may be thegaming machine for which the last game outcome contributing thepopulated symbol set was generated.

An example a method of executing a bonus game using the gamingcontroller 762 and system 700 is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 8.FIG. 8 depicts an example flow diagram representative of processes thatmay be implemented using, for example, computer readable instructionsthat may be used to facilitate game play. The example processes of FIG.8 may be performed using a processor, a controller and/or any othersuitable processing device. For example, the example processes of FIG. 8may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readableinstructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium such as aflash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), and/or a random-access memory(RAM). As used herein, the term tangible computer readable medium isexpressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage andto exclude propagating signals. Additionally or alternatively, theexample processes of FIG. 8 may be implemented using coded instructions(e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a non-transitorycomputer readable medium such as a flash memory, a read-only memory(ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a cache, or any other storage mediain which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended timeperiods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/orfor caching of the information). As used herein, the term non-transitorycomputer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type ofcomputer readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.

Alternatively, some or all of the example processes of FIG. 8 may beimplemented using any combination(s) of application specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), fieldprogrammable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), discrete logic, hardware,firmware, etc. Also, some or all of the example processes of FIG. 8 maybe implemented manually or as any combination(s) of any of the foregoingtechniques, for example, any combination of firmware, software, discretelogic and/or hardware. Further, although the example processes of FIG. 8are described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 8, othermethods of implementing the processes of FIG. 8 may be employed. Forexample, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/orsome of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, orcombined. Additionally, any or all of the example processes of FIG. 8may be performed sequentially and/or in parallel by, for example,separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic,circuits, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, the symbol set starts in an empty state 810. Forexample, where the symbol set is maintained in program memory the datastructure for storing the symbol set can be cleared. Alternatively,where the bonus game controller uses a physical symbol set, such as adeck of cards, roulette wheel, spinning reels etc the set may beappropriately cleared. For example, by starting with no cards in thedeck or turning off backlighting for symbols on spinning reels or aroulette wheel so the symbols appear blank. The set may be initialisedto empty or blank when the gaming controller 762 is initialised, forexample at power up or when first connected into the gaming system. Theset may be reset to the initial empty or blank condition by an operatorcommand, for example at the start of the day's play. The operator mayalso allocate the groups of gaming machines for the bonus game.

The game controller 762 receives game outcome data 820 when a gameoutcome is generated for a game machine of the group being played by aplayer. In response to receiving the game outcome data 820 symbols areadded to the symbol set 825 to begin populating the symbol set. Thesymbol set controller 770 of the game controller 762 determines symbolsto add based on the game outcome data as described in the examplesabove. These symbols are added to the symbol set. For example, where thesymbol set is stored as data, data for the newly added symbols can beadded to the data structure. Where the symbol set is physical, theappropriate action can be taken to add the symbols to the symbol set.For example, dealing the determined number of cards, revealing/lightingsymbols on reels, dice or wheels etc.

Once the symbols are newly added to the set, the symbol set controllerdetermines whether or not the symbol set is fully populated 830. If theset is not fully populated, the next game outcome data for one of thegaming machines of the group received 820 and further symbols added 825.These steps are repeated until the symbol set is fully populated 830.

Once the symbol set is fully populated 830 result generation using thepopulated symbol set is triggered 840. The result generation may betriggered immediately the symbol set is fully populated. Alternatively,an additional trigger condition may be required. For example, a timedelay for a countdown may be imposed. Alternatively, result generationmay be delayed until the conclusion of game outcome generation for allof the gaming machines of the group, where game play of the gamingmachines of the group is interrupted for the bonus game. In anotherexample, a trigger condition may be a game outcome occurring in a basegame for a gaming machine of the group. It should be appreciated thatsuch a trigger could increase the excitement for the players since theymust wait in anticipation of the bonus game until a further random eventoccurs to trigger the game outcome generation for the bonus game.

Once the trigger condition is met 840, the symbol selector selects a setof symbols from the populated symbol set for a game outcome 850. Thesymbols are selected based on a random result. For example, the symbolsmay be selected based on a random number which is used to define reelstop positions in accordance with game rules. The game outcome is thendisplayed to the players 860. The game outcome is evaluated to determinewhether or not any winning symbol combination has occurred 870. Itshould be appreciated that as the game outcome generated from thepopulated symbol set is based on a random process, a winning combinationmay not occur. Further, a number of winning symbol combinations may alsobe possible.

Different awards may be associated with different winning combinations.For example, a symbol combination of three “jackpot” symbols can beassociated with the award of a jackpot prize pool to a player of one ofthe gaming machines of the group. A symbol combination of three “share”symbols can be associated with as award of the jackpot pool sharedproportionally between each of the players. Alternatively, a symbolcombination of three cherries symbols may be associated with aconsolation award, for example twenty credits, to each player in thegroup. The credits for the three cherries award may be subtracted from ajackpot pool. In another example a combination of five “car” symbols canbe associated with an award of a fixed prize of a car to one of theplayers of a gaming machine in the group.

Where an award is not to be made to all members of the group then theplayer or players for the award are selected based on rules for theaward. The rule can define the criteria applied for selecting theplayers.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the abovedescription of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. Theprogram code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on acomputer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, thatcould replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, bytransmitting it from a server).

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the inventionthat many modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent thatcertain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to formfurther embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein,such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art formsa part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

Example 1

In this example a group of gaming machines each have five spinning reelsof equal lengths. Outcomes for this group of gaming machines are usedfor populating a set of symbols representing a further set of fivespinning reels of the same length of those in the gaming machines. Thesymbol set is populated based on the number of symbols occurring in awinning outcome on each of the gaming machines of the group. The symbolsset is populated by adding symbols to each of the reels, left to right,until the reels are fully populated.

The symbol set for population is represented initially as a set of blankreels 911-915. The displayed portion 900 of the blank reels isillustrated in FIG. 9 a. Only three lines of symbols 901-903 aredisplayed and a large part of the reel is not displayed.

A game outcome is generated for one of the gaming machines of the groupin response to player instructions. The game outcome includes a winningsymbol combination including three symbols. In response to this winningsymbol combination, one symbol is added to each of three reels 911-913are added to the symbol set being populated along the top display line902 as illustrated in the displayed portion 900′ of FIG. 9 b.

As more gaming outcomes are generated for gaming machines of the group,further symbols are added to populate the set based on winning outcomes.The reels can be turned or appear to turn to continue to show thesymbols being added to the reels. FIG. 9 c illustrated the displayedportion of the reels where population of the reels is almost complete,showing only four symbol positions remaining to be populated.

Once the symbol set is fully populated, the reels are spun to generate agame outcome using the populated symbol set. The generated game outcome900′″ is illustrated in FIG. 9 d showing a winning combination of threeQueen symbols in display line 901 and another winning combination ofthree Ace symbols and a WILD symbol, equivalent to four Ace symbols, indisplay line 903. An award payable for the three queen symbols is twohundred credits and an award payable for four Ace symbols is onethousand credits.

In this embodiment an award for the winning combinations is paid out toone gaming machine of the group. In this example, the gaming machinethat contributed the last symbol to the populated symbol set is chosenfor the award of the prize of one thousand and two hundred credits.

Once the award is paid the populated symbol set can be reset to a blanksymbol set. The population of the symbol set can then start again.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, itwill be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combinedto form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference tothe drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specificembodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of thepresent invention. However, describing the invention with drawingsshould not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitationsassociated with features shown in the drawings. The present inventioncontemplates methods, systems and program products on any electronicdevice and/or machine-readable media suitable for accomplishing itsoperations. Certain embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented using an existing computer processor and/or by a specialpurpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose orby a hardwired system, for example.

Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include programproducts comprising machine-readable media for carrying or havingmachine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Suchmachine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with aprocessor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may compriseRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and whichcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer orother machine with a processor. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to amachine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readablemedium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofmachine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines toperform a certain function or group of functions.

1. A method of gaming comprising: populating, by a computer-implementedgame controller, a symbol set based on game outcomes generated for oneor more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; andgenerating, by a computer-implemented game controller, a bonus gameoutcome by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set. 2.A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising making an award to oneor more of the gaming machines of the group based on the bonus gameoutcome.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein populating the symbolset by the computer-implemented game controller comprises: determiningbased on a game outcome newly generated for one of the gaming machinesone or more symbols to be added to the symbol set; adding the determinedsymbols to the symbol set; and repeating the above steps until thesymbol set is complete.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein thedetermined symbols are symbols of a winning symbol combination in a gameoutcome.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the symbols for thebonus game outcome are selected from the populated symbol set based on arandom result.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising thecomputer-implemented game controller evaluating any winning symbolcombinations in the bonus game outcome.
 7. A method as claimed in claim6 further comprising the computer-implemented game controller selectingone or more of the gaming machines from the group for making an award tothe player thereof based on a winning symbol combination in the bonusgame outcome.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gamingmachine selected for awarding a prize is selected based on the whetheror not one or more symbols contributing to the wining combination wasincluded in the populated symbol set based on an outcome from the gamingmachine.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the gaming machinehaving the most symbols contributing to the wining combination isselected.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gaming machinefor the award is selected based on the order in which an outcome of thatgaming machine contributed to the populated symbol set.
 11. A method asclaimed in claim 10 wherein the selected gaming machine is the lastgaming machine to contribute to the populated symbol set.
 12. A methodas claimed in claim 7 wherein the gaming machine for making an award isselected based on a random process.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 7further comprising the computer-implemented game controller determiningthe award for the selected one or more gaming machines.
 14. A method asclaimed in claim 13 wherein the award is a credit value based on thewining combination.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein theaward is a credit value which is proportional to a total award creditvalue.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the award is a fixedprize.
 17. A method of gaming comprising: activating, by acomputer-implemented game controller, symbols of a base symbol set basedon game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machinesbeing played by players; and generating, by a computer-implemented gamecontroller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from theactivated symbol set.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 17 furthercomprising the computer-implemented game controller making an award toone or more of the gaming machines of the group based on the bonus gameoutcome.
 19. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein activating symbolsof the base symbol set by a computer-implemented game controllercomprises: determining based on a game outcome newly generated for oneof the gaming machines one or more symbols of the base symbol set to beactivated; activating the determined symbols to the symbol set; andrepeating the above steps until the base symbol set is fully activated.20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the determined symbols areselected from a base set based on symbols of a winning symbolcombination in the game outcome of the gaming machine.
 21. A method asclaimed in claim 20 wherein the determined symbols are selected based onreel stop positions of symbols in the winning combination.
 22. A methodas claimed in claim 21 wherein the size of the base symbol set is thesame as the size of a symbols set for generating game outcomes in thegaming machines of the group.
 23. A method as clamed in claim 19 whereinthe determined symbols are a number of symbols selected from the basesymbol set wherein the number of symbols selected is based on the numberof symbols contributing to winning symbol combinations in the gameoutcome.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the symbols areselected from a base set in a given order.
 25. A method as claimed inclaim 23 wherein the symbols are randomly selected from the base set.26. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the symbols for the bonusgame outcome are selected from the populated symbol set based on arandom result.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 18 further comprisingthe computer-implemented game controller evaluating any winning symbolcombinations in the bonus game outcome.
 28. A method as claimed in claim27 further comprising the computer-implemented game controller selectingone or more of the gaming machines from the group for making an award tothe player thereof.
 29. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein thegaming machine selected for awarding a prize is selected based on thewhether or not one or more symbols contributing to the winingcombination was activated in the symbol set based on an outcome from thegaming machine.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the gamingmachine having the most symbols contributing to the wining combinationis selected.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein the gamingmachine for the award is selected based on the order in which an outcomeof that gaming machine contributed to the populated symbol set.
 32. Amethod as claimed in claim 27 wherein the selected gaming machine is thelast gaming machine to cause activation of one or more symbols of thebase symbol set.
 33. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the gamingmachine for making an award is selected based on a random process.
 34. Amethod as claimed in claim 27 further comprising thecomputer-implemented game controller determining the award for theselected one or more gaming machines.
 35. A method as claimed in claim34 wherein the award is a credit value based on the wining combination.36. A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein the award is a credit valuewhich is proportional to a total award credit value.
 37. A method asclaimed in claim 18 wherein the award is a fixed prize.
 38. A gamecontroller comprising: a symbol set controller adapted to populate asymbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a groupof gaming machines being played by players; and a symbol selectoradapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from thepopulated symbol set.
 39. A game controller as claimed in claim 38further comprising an award evaluator adapted to make an award to agaming machine of the group based on the bonus game outcome.
 40. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 38 wherein the symbol set controllerprogressively populates the symbol set based on a plurality of gameoutcomes for the one or more gaming machines.
 41. A game controller asclaimed in claim 40 wherein the symbol set controller determines one ormore symbols, based on each game outcome generated for gaming machinesof the group, and adds the determined symbols to the symbol set untilthe symbols set is complete.
 42. A game controller as claimed in claim41 wherein the determined symbols are based on symbols of a winningcombination in the game outcome of the gaming machine.
 43. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 39 wherein the award evaluator is adaptedto evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome.44. A game controller as claimed in claim 43 wherein the award evaluatoris further adapted to select one or more of the gaming machines of thegroup for making an award to the player thereof.
 45. A game controlleras claimed in claim 44 wherein the selection of a gaming machine for theaward is based on whether or not one or more symbols contributing to thewinning symbol combination was included in the populated symbol setbased on an outcome from the gaming machine.
 46. A game controller asclaimed in claim 45 wherein the gaming machine having the most symbolscontributing to the winning symbol combination is selected.
 47. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the gaming machine for theaward is selected based on the order in which an outcome of the gamingmachine contributed to the populated symbol set.
 48. A game controlleras claimed in claim 47 wherein the selected gaming machine is the lastgaming machine to contribute to the populated symbol set.
 49. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the gaming machine for theaward is selected based in a random process.
 50. A game controller asclaimed in claim 44 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted todetermine an award for each of the selected one or more gaming machines.51. A game controller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the award is acredit value based on the winning symbols combination.
 52. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the award is a credit valuewhich is proportional to a total award credit value.
 53. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the award is a fixed prize.54. A game controller as claimed in claim 38 wherein the symbol set isselected for the bonus game outcome based on a random result.
 55. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 38 further comprising a group controllervia which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or moregaming machines of a group being played by players is obtained.
 56. Agame controller as claimed in claim 55 wherein the group controller isfurther adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group.
 57. A gamecontroller comprising: a symbol set controller adapted to activatesymbols of a base symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one ormore of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and a symbolselector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcomefrom the activated base symbol set.
 58. A game controller as claimed inclaim 57 further comprising an award evaluator adapted to make an awardto a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus game outcome.
 59. Agame controller as claimed in claim 57 wherein the symbol set controllerprogressively activates symbols of the base symbol set based on aplurality of game outcomes for the one or more gaming machines.
 60. Agame controller as claimed in claim 59 wherein symbols are activated inthe base set based on the game outcome of the gaming machine.
 61. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 60 wherein the symbols are activated inthe base set based on symbols of a winning symbol combination in thegame outcome of the gaming machine.
 62. A game controller as claimed inclaim 61 wherein the symbols are activated based on reel stop positionsof symbols in the winning combination.
 63. A game controller as claimedin claim 62 wherein the size of the base symbol set is the same as thesize of a symbol set for generating game outcomes in the gamingmachines.
 64. A game controller as claimed in claim 60 wherein theactivated symbols are a number of symbols selected from the base symbolset, wherein the number of symbols is based on the number of symbolscontributing to winning symbol combinations in the game outcome of thegaming machine.
 65. A game controller as claimed in claim 64 wherein thesymbols are activated in the base symbol set in a given order.
 66. Agame controller as claimed in claim 64 wherein the symbols are randomlyactivated the base set.
 67. A game controller as claimed in claim 58wherein the award evaluator is adapted to evaluate any winning symbolcombinations in the bonus game outcome.
 68. A game controller as claimedin claim 67 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted to select oneor more of the gaming machines of the group for making an award to theplayer thereof.
 69. A game controller as claimed in claim 68 wherein theselection of a gaming machine for the award is based on whether or notone or more symbols contributing to the winning symbol combination wasactivated in the base symbol set based on an outcome from the gamingmachine.
 70. A game controller as claimed in claim 69 wherein the gamingmachine having the most symbols contributing to the winning symbolcombination is selected.
 71. A game controller as claimed in claim 68wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the orderin which an outcome of the gaming machine contributed to activatingsymbols of the base symbol set.
 72. A game controller as claimed inclaim 71 wherein the selected gaming machine is the last gaming machineto contribute to activating symbols of the base symbol set.
 73. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 68 wherein the gaming machine for theaward is selected based on a random process.
 74. A game controller asclaimed in claim 67 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted todetermine an award for each of the selected one or more gaming machines.75. A game controller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the award is acredit value based on the winning symbols combination.
 76. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 75 wherein the award is a credit valuewhich is proportional to a total award credit value.
 77. A gamecontroller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the award is a fixed prize.78. A game controller as claimed in claim 57 further comprising a groupcontroller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated oneor more gaming machines of a group being played by players is obtained.79. A game controller as claimed in claim 78 wherein the groupcontroller is further adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group.80. A gaming system comprising: a group controller via which gameoutcome data for game outcomes generated one or more linked gamingmachines being played by players is obtained; a symbol set controlleradapted to populate a symbol set based on the obtained game outcomedata; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for abonus game outcome from the populated symbol set.
 81. A gaming system asclaimed in claim 80 further comprising an award evaluator adapted tomake an award to a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus gameoutcome.
 82. A gaming system as claimed in claim 81 wherein the awardevaluator is adapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in thegame outcome.
 83. A gaming system as claimed in claim 82 wherein theaward evaluator is further adapted to select one or more of the gamingmachines of the group for making an award to the player thereof.
 84. Agaming system as claimed in claim 80 further comprising a displaycontroller adapted to control the presentation of a game outcomecomprising the set of symbols selected from the populated symbol set onone or more displays.
 85. A gaming system as claimed in claim 80 whereinthe group controller is further adapted to allocate gaming machines tothe group.
 86. A computer-implemented gaming system comprising: a groupcontroller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated oneor more linked gaming machines being played by players is obtained; asymbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol setbased on the obtained game outcome data; and a symbol selector adaptedto select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the activatedbase symbol set.
 87. A computer readable medium including computerprogram code which when executed causes a computer to implement acomputer controlled gaming method comprising: populating, by acomputer-implemented game controller, a symbol set based on gameoutcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines beingplayed by players; and generating, by a computer-implemented gamecontroller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from thepopulated symbol set.